Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛅ Today’s weather: It’s going to be a warm and sunny day.
🧐 Did you know? The city’s first traffic signal was set up in 1963 at NR Junction. Back then, the signals were operated manually!
🚂 New railway museum and park
Construction work for Bengaluru’s first railway museum has begun at the Nandi Halt station.
Story so far: The construction of the city’s first railway museum and park has begun at the 107-year-old Nandi Halt in Yaluvahalli, a heritage structure part of the Yelahanka–Chickballapur line. When it finishes, Bengaluru will join the likes of Mysuru and Huballi, which already have railway museums.
- The project’s first phase will cost ₹2.38 crore. It is expected to be operational and open to the public by the end of 2023.
- The museum’s popular appeal will be built by a mini restaurant formed of old train coaches, a Toy train, a 3D art gallery, and QR-enabled picture postcards.
USP: A unique goal of the project is to revive the dried Dakshina Pinnakini River. It originates at Nandi Hills, with Chikkaballapur and Hoskote on its route. It will occupy some area inside the Nandi Halt station premises.
🚶 Are pedestrians unsafe in the city?
Metro construction and road-digging projects neglect pedestrian safety.
Story so far: In Bengaluru, the number of pedestrian deaths caused by road accidents has almost reached pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, 248 pedestrians were killed in road accidents compared to 272 in 2019.
- The city’s roads are unsafe due to negligent driving, two-wheeler movement and parking on footpaths, jumping signals, and maladaptive infrastructure.
- Poorly planned construction projects deplete road space, making accidents more likely. Metro work and road repair are carried out without any consideration for pedestrians.
Good news: While the numbers moving forward are a cause of concern, there’s an overall decline in pedestrian deaths from the past decade. It could be that a greater number of vehicles on the road has slowed down traffic and reduced the likelihood of accidents.
🎪 Rambo Circus’ tight debut
After months of performing online, circus performances are back on the stage in Bengaluru.
Story so far: Circus artists who were forced to walk the tightrope during the Covid-19 pandemic have returned to the stage in great style. Rambo Circus’ artists have organised a medley of performances at the St John’s Auditorium in Koramangala for the whole month.
- The show will feature exciting acts like a hand-to-hand, slinky, bubble act, bouncing ball, laser, and death-dealing acts like the flying trapeze and the aerial ring.
- About 40 artists from India, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Ethiopia will perform in the great Indian circus festival from April 23. Kamila Khametova will perform in India for the third time.
Why it matters? A circus is an unending adrenaline rush to watch. It appeals to all kinds of audiences, from kids to adults. During the pandemic, passion for the art drove organisers to reach audiences virtually.
🥙 Amma’s iftar party
A Hindu family organised an iftar party to bring all communities together in celebration.
Story so far: On Saturday night, food became the evidence and harbinger of cultural harmony in Bengaluru. A Hindu family organised an iftar dinner at the Aashirvad Centre on St Marks Road for the second year in a row. The family argues that this is something very normal that has become unorthodox enough to be news.
- Around 110 people are likely to have attended the dinner. A nearby branch of Kareem’s restaurant looked after the catering and also offered fruits so guests could break their fast.
- Activist Teesta Setalvad and Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair were some notable guests. There were group addresses in support and appreciation of inter-faith unity.
Why it matters? The organisers came up with the idea after a family trip to Tamil Nadu’s Yercaud in 2022. Ram Navami celebrations had given way to violence, deeply disturbing an organiser’s mother. Thus “Amma’s Iftar Party” was born.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you like petting animals?
- Yes, I like petting animals.
- No, I don’t like petting animals.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which movie has made you cry the most?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Bengaluru’s classic Vidyarthi Bhavan wins trademark battle with Shivamogga Hotel.
- Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) staged a protest at Mysore Bank Circle in Bengaluru.
- Here’s a piece about supermodel Lakshmi Menon wearing a city-based boutique’s designs.
- India’s tech hub can’t deal with SVB if it’s stuck in traffic.
- Apple expands in India with a new 10-year office lease in Bengaluru.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I like Kulfi: 80.0% 🏆
- I don’t like Kulfi: 20.0%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your favourite kind of pickle?
Sriranga: “Crunchy Maavinakai, Nimbehannu”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!